Water Damage While Away

Would you ever leave on vacation without locking your house? According to a study done by one major insurance company, most people wouldn’t. 85% lock their windows and 77% make sure their doors are deadbolted before heading out. However, an even greater risk to the safety of your home is typically ignored, water damage.

Only 22% bother to shut off their water main.

Contrary to what you would expect, water leaks should be your primary concern. The Insurance Information Institute says water damage claims are four times more common than theft claims. Further, water damage, on average, is more than twice as costly as theft.

Here are a few tips to protect your home and eliminate worries about water damage while you are away:

• Turn off your main water supply before traveling.
• Check your plumbing fixtures for any leaks before you go. 
• Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to check in on your house while you’re gone.
• Consider installing a water shut-off device and make sure the batteries are fresh. 

The time between when a leak occurs and when it is discovered usually determines how severe the problem is. A leak for the duration of even a weekend away can do major damage. Therefore, it makes sense to do these simple things to protect yourself and your property.